Batman/Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II #2 Review

The Ninja Turtles and Batman are back at it in this sequel to the smash-hit first series. In the first go around Shredder teamed up with Ra’s Al Ghul, but this time it’s all about Bane teaming up with Bebop and Rocksteady. Sounds a lot more fun and it is, but how is issue #2?

So what’s it about?

The official summary reads:

The team behind the smash-hit crossover series is back to reunite the Dark Knight and the Heroes in a Half-Shell. When Donatello goes looking for a new mentor to help him improve his fighting skills, he opens a doorway to another reality, hoping to summon the Turtles’ one-time ally, Batman. But instead, he gets sent to Gotham City and someone else comes through the open portal–Bane! Suddenly, there’s a new gang boss in New York and he’s out to unite all the other bad guys under him. Can Donnie get back in time and bring Batman with him to help his brothers before Bane causes irreparable destruction? Co-published with IDW.

Why does this matter?

Freddie Williams II has the perfect style for this series as it’s slightly cartoony, dark in tone, but wickedly detailed too. His Batman design is quite cool with a hulkingly huge Batman and a delectably pompous Damian. The turtles look great too. His Bane is like a pile of muscles and really cool too. Oh, and this story is more about Donatello than anyone and Tynion IV has done a good job establishing his insecurity.

Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?

Batman moves fast.

This issue does all the heavy lifting to get Batman in the same room with the Ninja Turtles again even if it means punching a hole through the multiverse. Tynion IV utilizes MacGuffins to give the heroes something to do and adequately weaves in Mr. Freeze while doing it. This pumps in a little action for the issue, but make no mistake this book is all about table setting. There are however nice character moments like Batgirl showing off her leadership skills and an important moment between Batman and Donatello. That setting up also involves Bane gaining power and exerting his force. We certainly get a more hulking Bane than usual here, but it suits the series.

It’s hard to not like Williams II’s art as it’s so unique from anything else. The color is punched up nicely too by Jeremy Colwell — from the Ninja Turtles bandanas and clothes to the ice from Mr. Freeze. If you’re a longtime comic fan you’ll appreciate the attention of detail Williams II puts into the clothes and costumes of the character. And while Bane is outrageously huge it punches up the scenes when he literally fills a panel. Donatello’s gadgets continue to be impressive too and a highlight of this sequel.

Kids never listen.

It can’t be perfect can it?

The lack of action is a bit disappointing. The story sets up so much it can be a bit of a drag with only a splash or two to chew on while you read. The story so far is rather slowly paced possibly because there isn’t a lot to it, but thankfully the Donatello story gives it a bit of meaning.

Is It Good?

This is a fun series that’s not unlike the first series. It may be slowly paced, but it’s hard to fault the bombastic art.

Batman Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II #2

Is it good?

The second chapter is light on action, but progresses Bane's take over nicely.